Leadership Addictions

This is the last of a few posts on credible leadership. As you can see it deals with addiction of leaders. Addictions can range from gambling to drinking to sexual immorality.

For many people, they do not see the problem with gambling or drinking , especially if done in moderation. Okay, then why does Paul say this:

It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. Romans 14:21 (NIV)

Now, Paul was talking about eating things that some thought were sinful, but he added a tag line - "...or to do anything else..." That is an important note. What do addictions do to people?

Addictions are crutches. They are disturbances in the mental processes of those addicted. Drugs, for example, cause differing affects on the chemical processes of the brain. Drugs mar the natural function of life. Those same chemical reactions happen with other addictions (even gambling).

Addictions alter the mind. Is that the way you want leaders to lead, with altered minds?

Gamblers have problems with debt, embezzlement, forgery, and fraud, not to mention physical ailments, abusive tendencies, and more.

Alcohol can cause ailments such as dizziness (want a dizzy person ready to push the war button), talkativeness (talkative people do not listen to others), irritability, mood swings, and impaired judgment. It is also linked to domestic abuse, suicide, vehicular manslaughter, and depression.

Leaders are supposed to set the example not become one. Addictions (including tea-totaling) also fuel the addictions of others. Paul wanted to get people to understand that what we do in public and in private does affect the manners of others.

Credible leaders set the standard and do not bend from it. This is the type of leader I want in power. Just think of having someone in office who thinks that debt is wrong and runs their life debt-free....

Are we not gambling with the future of America every time we elect officials who may have addictions? How many "deals" in government and in business have been made under the influence of alcohol?

We need political officials who will act differently and with the understanding that God will withdraw His Spirit from any nation that abuses His sovereignty.

The elections are coming this year for many in Congress. How will you vote? Are you ready to demand credible leadership?